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1) Medjay: One of the most important players in this book. Medjay was a term used for a tribe of Nubia which immigrated to Egypt, approximately during the Old Kingdom Period (In ancient Egyptian history, the Old Kingdom is the period spanning c. 2686-2181 BCE)
But, by the time of New Kingdom Period (The New Kingdom, also referred to as the Egyptian Empire, is the period in ancient Egyptian history between the sixteenth century BCE.) the term Medjay was no longer used to refer to an ethnic group but was used to refer an elite paramilitary/police force.
Since this book is set in the New Kingdom Period, I have shown the Medjay as a police force rather than an immigrant tribe.
Fun Fact: This book is set during the reign of Hatshepsut, the famous female Pharaoh. That's why in conversations between the characters the pharaoh is referred to as 'she' instead of 'he.'
2) Shendyt: The shendyt was a kilt like garment worn around the waist, usually by men in Ancient Egypt.
3) Ma'at: Literally, order. Ma'at was personified as a goddess who maintained order, peace, harmony and cosmic balance. Her opposite was Isfet or chaos. Since the Medjay maintain peace and order, they are referred many times in the book as enforcer/embodiment of Ma'at.
4) Kalasiris: During the Old, Middle and New Kingdom, ancient Egyptian women mostly wore a simple sheath dress called a kalasiris. The dresses were held up by one or two straps and were worn down to the ankle, while the upper edge could be worn above or below the breasts. The length of the dress denoted the social class of the wearer.
5) Unnut: literally means hour. One day had 24 hours or unnut.
6) Khopesh: The khopesh is an Egyptian sickle-sword that evolved from battle axes. A typical khopesh is 50-60 cm in length, though smaller examples also exist. The inside curve of the weapon could be used to trap an opponent's arm, or to pull an opponent's shield out of the way. Among the variety of weapons used by Medjay, the khopesh was one of them.
7) Ptah: He was the ancient Egyptian deity of craftsmanship and architecture. His main cult was in Memphis, where our story is set.
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YOU ARE READING
The Ennead Murders (Pahy-nefer #2)
Mystery / ThrillerA series of uncanny and brutal murders which hauntingly echoes the lores of the great Ennead has a Medjay detective questioning the inherent darkness of the human mind. *** 1464 BCE, Memphis, Egypt. When Pentamun discovers the brutally stabbed body...
